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Parish News Sunday 6 August 2017 The Transfiguration of the Lord

‘No beauty that we should desire him’

They were a pathetic-looking couple: faces blotched from sleeping rough or too many cans of cheap beer. She walked with a limp, he had a sullen, treacherous look. One minute they were shouting so loud and fighting while bedding down in the church grounds they could be heard out on the main road. They usually disappeared in daylight hours and left behind milk cartons, beer cans and the detritus of the night before. Towards nightfall they returned: two scare crows shuffling between the bare trees. When they started lighting a fire in the freezing cold of 2010, parishioners decided the guards should be called. I didn’t see an alternative. ‘They’re giving the place a bad name, Father. And after all, they can go to the shelters run by the charities. Fr McVerry will look after them. No excuse. We’re not equipped to deal with situations like that.’

The guards knew them well; they spoke softly and were patient while evicting them. The couple trudged away quietly with their plastic bags. The following day a few parishioners, retired men, cleaned up the mess and threw the rubbish into black bags and dumped them in the bins.

Priest and people had got rid of the undesirables. We could now return to civilised life and to living a polite, middle-class Christianity. We can see echoes of that on the mountain scene in today’s Gospel when Peter suggests: ‘let us build three tents.’ Peter liked the special buzz that the liturgy of the transfiguration provided, especially with the notables, Moses and Elijah making a comeback. He wanted to build a marquee. Jesus would have none of it. His mission was and is with the undesirables.

Peter had forgotten his Isaiah, especially ch. 53: 2. He had no form or majesty that we should look upon him, and no beauty that we should desire him. The prophet is referring to the Messiah; the reading appears in the liturgy for Holy Week. What if I and my parishioners in that snowy winter of 2010 had rejected the blotched face of Jesus?

Fr William

Tuesday 15th August is the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady and a Holy Day. Masses on that day will be at 10am and 1.10pm with a Vigil Mass on Monday 14th August at 5.45pm.

The monthly SVP churchgate collection takes place after ALL masses on the weekend of 19th/20th August. Please give generously.

Rathmines, Rathgar, Milltown Bethany Bereavement Support Service

There will be a group meeting of the Bethany Bereavement Service at the Parish Centre, 52 Grosvenor Road, Rathgar on Weds 9 August at 8pm and at Milltown Parish Centre on Weds

16 August at 8pm. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one and would appreciate talking to trained listeners in a supportive, confidential setting, you would be very welcome. This is a free service. For further information please phone: 085 223 8032.

Bring All the Family! 21st August 2017 –One Year to World Meeting of Families 2018: We invite you and all your family to come along to the launch of the one-year programme of preparation for World Meeting of Families 2018, which will take place at the Knock Shrine, County Mayo, on Monday 21st August 2017, the Anniversary of the Apparition of Our Lady. This day of celebration will include the celebration of the Eucharist, workshops and faith and fun activities for all the family. The WMOF2018 Icon will be presented at Mass in the Basilica at 3pm and then begin its journey around the Dioceses of Ireland.

Registration & Tickets for WMOF2018 Registration for the World Meeting of families in 2018 is now open. Visit the Tickets Section on www.worldmeeting2018.ie to access information on the different type of tickets and registration available. Accommodation booking is also available online at time of registration through the same booking form on the website.

The next Patrician Meeting with Discussion Title ‘Blessed are the Merciful’ will take place on Thursday 10th August next at 8pm in St Joseph’s, 191 Rathgar Rd, Dublin 6 (opposite Esso Service Station).

Lough Derg 2017: Come along on our Three Day Pilgrimage on any day up to and including Sunday 13th August. Advance booking is not necessary. There are various travel options available countrywide. The Lough Derg team can help you to co-ordinate public transport or link up with Pilgrimage Organisers in your locality. Telephone Maureen or Lorraine on 071 985 1518 (from NI 00353 71 986 1518). Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.www.loughderg.org

Novena 4th–12th August: Ardlea Parish will host a Novena to St John Vianney (Cure of Ars) in St John Vianney Church, Ardlea Road, Artane. Each day there will be a Novena Mass at 10am, and 7.30pm (Fridays 4th and 11th), Saturday 6pm, Sunday 9.30am and 11.30 am. Mass with Anointing of the Sick will take place on Weds 9th at 3pm. Holy Hour will take place on Thurs 10th at 7.30pm. Adoration will take place on Mon 7th after 10am Mass until 8pm (and every Monday of the year). Confessions and Veneration of the Relics: after each Mass and Holy Hour. Special celebrants and preachers will attend each day. Come along and help us celebrate this Patron of Priests and Good Confessions. All welcome.

National Novena at Knock: From 14th -22nd August speakers, workshops, Mass and a Witness Walk at the National Novena. Among those taking part are Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Dr. Mary Healy, Fr. Seamus Enright, CSsR, Fr. Michael Cussack, CSsR, Marty Morrissey, Rev. Kevin O’Gorman, Bernadette McNeive, Darren Cawley, Rt Rev. Patrick Rooke, Prof. Salvador Ryan, Most Rev. Philip Boyce, Fr. Daniel O’Leary, Bishop Kevin Doran, as well as Dr. Aoife McGrath, Fr. Timothy Bartlett, Secretary General for the WMOF2018, Maria Steen and Cora Sherlock. Talks and workshops will be held every day. For more information email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - seewww.knockshrine.ie

Volunteers: Aware is a National Organisation supporting individuals, families and communities concerned about depression. They provide a range of support services such as support groups, telephone and email service and a Life Skills Online programme. All of which are free. Demand for services is continuing to grow and they are now recruiting volunteers to meet this demand. Our volunteers receive full training and ongoing support. People with depression need Aware and Aware needs volunteers today. Please contact Dr Emma Barnes on 01 661 7211 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.aware.ie

Spirituality Course:2017-2019 programme is now open for our Adult Education Certificate. This is a two-year, part-time evening programme in Spirituality run in partnership with Lumen in the Lumen Dominican Centre, Sion Hill, Blackrock. There are no exams and no prior learning is required – all in a relaxed and convivial environment. For more information or to book contact Anne Ryan on 086 – 884 3652 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – see www.lumenop.ie

Faith4Life is an Adult Faith Course designed to help you to discover more energising and empowering ways to live out your faith in the reality of today’s world: through relationships, family, home, workplaces and the events of daily life. It aims to help you to be more active, open, faithful, confident, trusting and willing to work for change. Faith for Life takes place over four weekends in Holy Cross College, Clonliffe Rd, Dublin 3. Called to Become (21st/22nd October), Church in and for the World(2nd/3rd December),Centred onThe Word of God(20th/21st January) and Living Faithfully(3rd/4th March). The course will benefit everyone who wants to make a deeper connection between faith and life. Further details and application forms are available by emailing Rosemary Lavelle: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone 837 3732 ext. 247/239.

COMPUTERS FOR THE TERRIFIED!

1 TO 1 TRAINING FOR OVER 55’s

Are you frustrated by your lack of computer skills? Do you feel that the digital age has passed you by?

LEARN HOW TO:

Search the Internet Send & receive emails

Shop and book flights

Use your own device or use computers available at some venues

Age Action runs beginner courses in Computers, iPads and Tablets for older people who have little or no experience or for the absolutely terrified!Courses run once a week for 5/6 weeks inMounttown, Foxrock, Dun Laoghaire, Stillorgan, Bray and City Centre

ALL COURSES ARE FREE OF CHARGE

If you wish to become a volunteer or to book a course

TEL: (01) 475 6989

Pathways- Exploring Faith & Ministry. Pathways is a two-year one night a week course for adults of all ages wish to explore their faith. It runs from late September to May each year. There are no exams and no written work. The only requirement is an openness to listening to others and to participate. You can just come along and enjoy! The cost is €400 for the coming year which may be paid in instalments. This adult faith development programme begins in Clonliffe College on Thursday 28th September from 7pm – 9.30 pm. Booking is now open. Places are limited so early application is advisable, some sponsorship may be available for those of limited means. For more information please visit your webpage: www.evangelisation.ie or contact: Eileen Houlahan, CHF, PhD, Director, Pathways Programme, Clonliffe College, Clonliffe Road, Dublin, DO3 P2E7. Tel 01 837 9253 Ext 294 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Certificate in Theology: This is a one-year course is offered by St Patrick’s College Maynooth from September which aims to provide a dynamic learning environment for those seeking a comprehensive foundation in Catholic Theology or for those who wish to develop and broaden their Theological knowledge. Participants will gain a more thorough understanding of their lived faith and its application to both parish and public life. Key areas of study: Sacred Scripture, Social Ethics, Sacramental Theology, Liturgical Theology, Spirituality, Pastoral Theology, Church History. Lectures will be on Mons and Weds 6.30pm-9.30pm, plus two Saturdays in the second semester. For more info: contact Dr. Suzanne Mulligan Tel: 01 474 7665 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BA in Theology and Lifelong Education is a 4-5 year course offered by the School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music at Dublin City University. The degree is intended for people from a variety of backgrounds. This course suits mature students already involved in areas such as Ministry, Biblical Studies, Social Justice Groups, Ecumenical Projects, Dialogue with other faith communities, Parish Councils, School Boards, or Liturgy. The degree also serves as a qualification for those who wish to pursue postgraduate study or research in theology. To qualify, you must be aged 23 or over on the 1st January in the year of application. The Programme follows a 5 year cycle with students entering the programme in any of the years of the cycle. Normally a student will study between 5 and 6 modules per year. Further information www.dcu.ie/DC300

Pontifical Irish College Pilgrimage Programme: The Irish College in Rome Summer pilgrimage programme offers two courses, one for priests and the other for parishioners, scheduled to take place this September 2017. The course for parishionersis scheduled from 18th - 23rd September. It will provide participants with an opportunity to experience Rome, deepen their theological awareness of the theme of “The Gospel of the Family, Joy for the World” and enjoy a time of guided reflection and prayer together. Cost of course is €700 (€300 deposit required). To book phone: 00 39 06 772 631 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.www.irishcollege.org

New Pilgrim Path Website of the Week 6 August 2017 The daily 3-Minute Retreat from Loyola Press is a short, guided prayer break at your computer or on your mobile device that can give you 24 hours of peace! Access this, and other rich online spiritual resources, at www.NewPilgrimPath.ie

UCD Research to Improve Health with Ageing

The UCD Institute of Food and Health are recruiting adults of ages 50 years and older to participate in a new research project which will explore the role of B-vitamins in healthy ageing. If you are aged 50 years +, you may be eligible to take part in an exciting 2-year trial to see if B-vitamins can benefit health as we get older.

Over the course of the 2-year trial, you will be asked to:

• Visit UCD on three occasions, each visit of 1.5 hour duration.

• Consume a free daily vitamin supplement.

• Undergo a free DEXA bone and body scan at the beginning and end of the trial.

The weekly envelopes for Planned Giving (Family Offering) for 2017/2018 are available for collection from the parish office. The Family Offering is the only collection that directly supports the pastoral services and maintenance costs of the parish. Those who have used a box in previous years will find a box with your name on it. For parishioners or regular visitors, who do not yet contribute regularly to the Planned Giving, this is an ideal opportunity to start. You can take a box of 52 weekly envelopes which has no name on it, but please remember to leave your name and address and the number of the box you are taking on the sheet provided. The envelopes can be left in the blue safe at the back of the church each Sunday. An alternative way to contribute to the Family Offering is by standing order. A draft letter which you can send to your bank manager, requesting him/her to set up the direct debit from your bank account, is available at the back of the church.

RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Be sure to take the time to look at the display board at the back of the Church. The names of the 47 adults who have come in to full communion with the Catholic Church through our Parish RCIA are written there. The map shows candidates coming from all over the world, each of whom has received a warm Rathmines welcome.

Many thanks to those parishioners who have already returned Easter Dues. Dues envelopes are available for collection in the boxes at the back of the church. All Christmas and Easter Dues are forwarded directly to the Diocese for the remuneration of the priests of the diocese.

Michaela Foundation’s Summer Camps are like no other! Camp attendees will participate in an array of inspiring activities between 9.30am – 3.45pm Mon - Thurs with a special end of week celebration on Friday. Each day, Campettes girls aged 11-13, will complete 5 unique activities across the themes of Fun, Fashion, Fáilte, Wellbeing and Faith. Leaders aim to provide a fun, friendly and welcoming environment in which Campettes not only develop their skills and talents but self-esteem too. Early booking is advised as places are limited and some Camps are already fully booked! Camp costs £60 / € rate equivalent (family rate available upon request)

Visit Michaela Foundation’s website to find out more or to register.

Are you in your 40’s? The Dublin 40somethings organize spiritual and social events for people in their 40’s in and around Dublin who have a Catholic ethos. We invite you to come along and get involved. Our next monthly gathering is at the Trinity City Hotel, Pearse St, Dublin 2 at 8.30pm on Friday 3 March. Then we have an evening Lenten Retreat at the Sacred Hearts, 66 Inchicore Rd, Dublin 8 at 5pm on Sat 11 March. Contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 087 760 8268.

Koins for Kids We are a small voluntary charity putting all our efforts into the funding of whatever essential life-saving equipment“The New Children’s Hospital”will need when building is complete.We repatriate foreign coin, collect out of date and damaged currency, bus refund tickets and we also collect 1 & 2 cent coin accumulations.We have raised in excess of €27,000, a modest sum but we intend to make a big difference to these children who suffer for reasons beyond their control. We would greatly appreciate any donation of this type of currency. Please leave into the Parish Office (Mon-Fri from 10am to 12pm) for subsequent collection by Koins for Kids.

Catholic Papers and magazines are on sale after morning masses from the sacristy.

From 6th March, a Parent and Toddler Group will be held every Monday (Excluding Public Holidays) in Rathmines Library at 12 noon. The sessions will be open to all and no booking is required, but places are limited. Contact: Eithne Massey, Senior Librarian Tel: 497 3539.

Diocesan Prayer Book: The Dublin Diocesan World Day of the Sick Committee has published for the 25th Silver Jubilee Celebrations of World Day of the Sick a renewed version of their very popular prayer book - ‘I Am With You’ (Psalm 90). For those experiencing suffering and illness, and for those caring for those who are facing sickness. Of use for personal prayer on many occasions - in parish - at home - in hospital - healthcare facilities, - for pastoral visitation of the sick and carers and First Friday calls. Additional copies of the prayer book are available from Ms. Sheila Pyne, Archbishop’s House - Tel: 01 8379253, (Ext. 116) and from VERITAS.ie. More information on World Day of the Sick 2017 - www.catholicbishops.ie

Love One Another as I Have Loved You Fr. Gareth Byrne's new book of prayers, meditations and reflections Love One Another as I Have Loved You is a response to the publication by Pope Francis of Amoris laetitia, his apostolic exhortation ‘on Love in the Family’ (2016). This collection includes reflective pieces on love, family, friendship, community and on the Church as the family of Christ. With the World Meeting of Families to be hosted by the Archdiocese of Dublin in August 2018, this is an opportunity to begin to think and pray in new ways about what family and relationships mean to us. Love One Another as I Have Loved You is available from Veritas stores for €4.99.

Training for carers - Looking for a career in the care sector? Family Carers Ireland are providing the QQI Level 5 Healthcare Award in 2017 in or around your area based on demand. One day topic specific workshops also available. For more info contact the training unit on 0579322920.

1916 Exhibition in the Pro Cathedral: Ministry, Advocacy and Compassion 1916 exhibition which examines the role of the Catholic Church in 1916 continues from 1.30-5.30pm daily at St. Kevin’s Chapel, Pro-Cathedral. Admission is free. To arrange a group booking, please contact the Pro-Cathedral parish office at (01) 874 5441 / Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. See more at: http://www.dublindiocese.ie/1916-exhibition-in-the-pro-cathedral

Life to the Full (Jn 10:10) Book Club: Join other young adults (20's & 30's) each week to meditate, share and discuss life, faith, purpose & how to live life to the full. We read a chosen spiritual book over a few weeks and come to reflect and discuss our thoughts.Every Thursday 7.00-8:30pm, St Paul's Church Arran Quay (Smithfield).

Are you caring for someone with dementia at home? Saint Joseph’s Shankill, Dedicated to Dementia Care presents The Caring for Carers Training Courses covering: Information about dementia, How best to communicate with someone living with dementia, How to manage your worries & stress, Where to access support, services or help. For more info or to register your interest, contact Teresa on 01 282 3000 E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.saintjosephscentre.ie

Irish Cancer Society’s Volunteer Driver Service is in need of volunteer drivers to drive local patients to and from their chemotherapy treatments in our partner Dublin hospitals (St. James’s; The Mater; Tallaght & St. Vincent’s). Driver expenses are paid. Telephone Rebecca on 01 2316 642 or Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Irish Cancer Society’s ‘Volunteer Driver Service’ is a free transport service available to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in St. Vincent’s Hospital or Tallaght Hospital. To avail of this service, please talk to your healthcare professional or call Gail in the Irish Cancer Society on 01 2310 566.

Volunteers: Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services is recruiting for Bereavement Support Volunteers in Harold’s Cross and Blackrock. No experience is necessary as full training will be provided. The training will commence in September for the duration of the academic year. If you think you have the personal qualities and are interested in training to provide a support service to bereaved people. Please contact Ann D’Arcy, Bereavement Co-ordinator on 01-406 8794 for further information OR Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Sisters of the Sacred Hearts, 11 Northbrook Road, Ranelagh are opening their oratory every Wednesday between 7pm and 9pm to anyone who wishes to spend some quiet reflective time. Feel free to spend as much time as you wish. All are welcome.

Aware Volunteering Opportunities Aware, the national organisation providing support and information to individuals and families impacted by depression and bipolar disorder, is now recruiting new volunteers to train on a number of services. Aware was this year awarded the Investing in Volunteering Standard in recognition of the level of training and support it provides for its 400 volunteers. See aware.ie for specific info and requirements for all volunteering opportunities including the Aware Support Line (phone); Support Mail (email); Support Groups (face-to-face), and Life Skills (Online) programmes. Minimum commitment is 18 months. Help Aware continue to be a supporting light through depression. www.aware.ie

Volunteers for Sage Support and Advocacy Service Sage Support and Advocacy Service for Older People needs volunteers to help speak up for older people across all care settings. Sage will provide appropriate training and support. For more information call 086 183 1428, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or see www.sage.thirdageireland.ie

B.E. (Beginning Experience) is a support group for those coping with the pain of loss of their life partner, through Death, Separation or Divorce. Few people are able to cope alone with the pain of loss. Do you find that you need more support than family and friends can provide? Seeking help is a sign of strength and self-knowledge – not weakness. This is a healing ministry, which helps to resolve the grief that goes with the end of a marriage or relationship. Coping effectively with bereavement is a skill we can all learn. A team, who are themselves widowed, separated or divorced share their experiences with you. For further information please contact 01 679 0556 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Irish Cancer Society’s Volunteer Driver Service is available to patients attending the Dublin hospitals (excluding Beaumont) forchemotherapy treatment. This service is completely free to the patient – a driver will pick you up at the door of your home and bring you to the hospital & then, after treatment, bring you home. So if you are having trouble getting to and from your chemotherapytreatments then please speak to your oncology team or call the Irish Cancer Society on 01 2310 566 / 01 2316 642.

Weekly envelopes for Planned Giving (Family Offering) for 2016/2017 are available for collection at the back of the church. The Family Offering is the only collection that directly supports the pastoral services and maintenance costs of the parish. Those who have used a box in previous years will find a box with your name on it. For parishioners or regular visitors, who do not yet contribute regularly to the Planned Giving, this is an ideal opportunity to start. You can take a box of 52 weekly envelopes which has no name on it, but please remember to leave your name and address and the number of the box you are taking on the sheet provided. The envelopes can be left in the blue safe at the back of the church each Sunday. An alternative way to contribute to the Family Offering is by standing order. A draft letter which you can send to your bank manager, requesting him/her to set up the direct debit from your bank account, is available at the back of the church. Just give the following parish account details to your own local bank and ask them to set it up. The parish bank is AIB Ranelagh, Dublin 6. The sort code is 93-12-92, and the Account No. is: 15890398.

The Parish Web Committee is urgently looking for new members. The mission of the Parish Web Committee is to establish and maintain a current vibrant virtual presence for the parish that supports and furthers the mission of Mary Immaculate, Refuge of Sinners parish. Some experience with web design, web support or IT is helpful but not essential. Anyone interested in helping to support and keep an active and interesting website and social network presence for the parish is very welcome. For more information contact the parish office on 01 4971531.

If you are interested in ordering a PewMemorial Plaque in memory of a deceased loved one, please contact the parish office.

Morning prayer is recited every weekday at 9.45am. You are invited to join in this beautiful prayer. New participants are especially welcome. Prayer books are available in the church.

Many parishes have been contacted recently with information regarding a Pre-Marriage DVD course being marketed by Avalon RC Limited. The information and the Avalon website suggest that this course meets the “Bishops’ Guidelines”. This DVD course and online questionnaire cannot meet the Irish Episcopal Conference Criteria for Courses of Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage and is not an acceptable course of marriage preparation in the Archdiocese of Dublin.

Crosscare's Care Local service is seeking volunteers as Befriender, to pay a friendly weekly visit to someone's home. Visits usually involve a simple cup of tea and a chat with someone in the volunteer's own area. This simple gift of time makes a huge difference to an older person experiencing loneliness and isolation. Minimum commitment of one hour per week for one year. To learn more, please call Sheila Desmond, Margaret O’Sullivan or Emma O’Shea on 01 836 0011 ext. 308 or visit the volunteer page on our website for an application form at www.carelocal.ie.

Crosscare's Care Local service is seeking volunteers throughout Dublin as Appointment Companions. Appointment Companions are on call to accompany an older person to hospital visits, providing the security of company. This flexible role is ideal for those who would like to befriend an older person but who cannot commit to a regular, weekly visit. When a referral comes in, the nearest on-call volunteer is called and availability checked before confirming the appointment. To learn more, please call Emma O’Shea or Sheila Desmond on 01 836 0011, ext. 308 or visit the volunteer page on our website for an application form at www.carelocal.ie.

Crosscare's Care Local service is seeking volunteers as Plate Pals Mealtime Companion in nursing homes in your area with a commitment of 1-3 mealtimes per week. Plate Pals combat malnutrition among the older population by providing valuable one-to-one assistance at mealtimes, providing gentle reminders and words of encouragement for the full hour it can take them to finish a full meal. To learn more, please call Peter Donnelly on 01 836 0011, ext. 135 or visit the volunteer page on our website at www.carelocal.ie.

ARC Cancer Support Centreare seeking volunteers to help manage ‘drop-in centres’ in Dublin, 65 Eccles Street, and 559 South Circular Road. They mainly require 'floating' volunteers who can fill in while others are on holidays/sick leave. Volunteers are also needed who might commit to one day a week for a certain period of time. The role involves: answer the door/phone. Greet clients and make them feel welcome. Make tea/coffee. Listen and chat and be supportive. Talk through the services available in ARC Cancer Support Centre. Prepare treatment rooms for classes. Ensure the 'drop-in' area is tidy and stocked with refreshments. Training is provided. If interested in volunteering, contact Jane Ketterer on 01 7830 7333 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Irish Cancer Society’s ‘Care to Drive’ free transport service is available for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in Dublin hospitals. This service is completely free to the patient – a driver will pick you up at the door of your home and bring you to the hospital and then, after treatment, bring you home. So if you are having trouble getting to and from the hospital for your chemotherapy treatment and you are living in Dublin then please speak to your oncology team or call Gail on 01 231 0566.

ALONE is an independent charity that works with older people who are in crisis, at risk of homelessness or socially isolated. With over 120,000 older people in Ireland living on their own, we are asking people to spend some time this Christmas supporting older people in their community. You can make a huge difference by simply visiting older people living alone. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation please contact ALONE on 01 679 1032 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Are you 60+ years of age? Have you a small repair job which you would like to have done for you? The Care and Repair programme (run by Age Action Ireland) uses a pool of trustworthy volunteers and handypersons to carry out minor repairs for older people. All volunteers are vetted and carry official Care and Repair identification cards. The service is free; you only pay for the materials used. For your bigger jobs, we maintain a register of reliable and honest tradespersons. You can arrange to have a job done for you by phoning the Age Action Care and Repair number which is 01 475 6989.

Would you consider becoming a volunteer advocate for Third Age and help residents of nursing homes voice their needs and wishes, access their entitlements and assert their rights? If so please contact Mary Cahillane, Third Age National Advocacy Programme, Unit A5, Centrepoint Business Park, Oak Road, Dublin 12 by telephone 087 738 4624 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (full training provided).

‘Do you need someone to talk to? Senior Help Line is a confidential listening service for older people by older people for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, LoCall 1850 440 444. Senior Help Line is open from 10 am till 10 pm, 365 days a year’.

ACCORD Relationship Counselling Service. If you cannot talk to each other - talk to us. Marriage and relationships are today experiencing more complex challenges than ever before. ACCORD offers a safe, professional and confidential process helping couples and individuals to explore and resolve difficulties in their marriage and relationship. Clients are only asked to make a donation if they can afford it. Contact ACCORD at 39 Harcourt St. Dublin 2, Phone: 478 0866 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Teen-Line Ireland is a registered charity which provides a free-phone help-line for young people who may be feeling alone, worried or distressed. We provide emotional support through our non-judgmental, secure and confidential listening service. The Free-Phone Help-Line: 1800 833 634 is open from 7pm – 10 pm, 7 days per week, and from 3pm. – 10pm. on Wednesdays.